Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Training Program

Course Description

The Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Training Program prepares adult learners to teach children ages 2½ to 6 years old. This AMS-accredited and MACTE-affiliated program combines Montessori philosophy with a full range of early childhood curriculum areas, giving students the knowledge and practical experience needed for Montessori certification.

Core subjects include Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Physical and Life Science, Social Studies, and Classroom Leadership. The program also integrates Montessori Philosophy and Theory, Observation, Child Development, Art, Music, Movement, and Parent Involvement/Education.

This program is designed for adult learners seeking professional Montessori certification at the Early Childhood level (ages 2½–6). A high school diploma or equivalent GED is required for admission.

For more information about Montessori credentials and program standards, visit the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

Course Components

The program includes three primary components:

Academic Component
Held primarily during the summer, this phase includes approximately 300 instructional hours of in-person and online coursework. Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Additional seminars occur during the school year—either two Saturdays or one Wednesday afternoon per month (3:15–5:15 p.m.).

A portion of this component is delivered online from May through June to accommodate working adult learners and those living outside the San Diego area.

Practicum Component
The Practicum Component consists of an internship in an approved Montessori school, lasting a full academic year (540 hours total). This supervised classroom experience allows adult learners to apply Montessori principles in real-world settings, supported by qualified Montessori mentors.

Final Assessment Component
After completing the practicum, students return the following summer for the Final Assessment. This phase includes two written exams and one oral exam designed to evaluate mastery of Montessori principles, materials, and teaching methodology.

For program authorization and compliance information, refer to the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

Online Learning

A portion of the Early Childhood Academic Component is conducted online to provide flexibility and accessibility for adult learners. The online coursework maintains the same high standards as in-person instruction and supports students who are balancing work and study.

Minimum Technology and Skill Requirements

• A functioning computer with a stable internet connection is required to access course materials and participate in sessions.
• Students should possess basic computer skills, including:
  • Using a web browser
  • Sending and receiving emails
  • Downloading and uploading files
  • Navigating basic computer functions
• Digital literacy is also essential, such as:
  • Searching for information online
  • Navigating and annotating digital documents
  • Submitting assignments electronically
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) is beneficial but not required.

Attendance Policy for Online Learning
Attendance and participation are tracked through the LMS. Student engagement is measured through log-ins, discussions, assignment submissions, quizzes, and video participation within specified timeframes to ensure accountability and course completion.

Prerequisites and Credential Options

To receive an AMS Early Childhood or AMS Associate Early Childhood Credential, applicants must meet specific educational requirements:

• Adult learners are not required to have a bachelor’s degree to take the course but must have, at minimum, a high school diploma or GED.
• Those without a bachelor’s degree are eligible to receive an AMS Associate Early Childhood Credential.
• If a bachelor’s degree is later obtained, the Associate credential can be upgraded to an AMS Early Childhood Credential through AMS.
• To receive the full AMS Early Childhood Credential, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required.

Credential details and upgrade information are available through the American Montessori Society (AMS).

Begin Your Montessori Journey

The Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Training Program offers a solid foundation in Montessori philosophy, materials, and practice—preparing educators to inspire curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in children.

Contact Us to learn more about admissions, schedules, and tuition details, or visit the Courses Page to explore additional Montessori credential programs offered at MCTE.